Eagles bounce back to down Dawgs

The “Bounce Back” Eagles wouldn’t get down on themselves, despite falling behind in both Deacon Jones Invitational matches last week. Friday’s comeback against Princeton in extra innings gave Rosewood the Easter tourney trophy in a 7-6 championship earning hard-fought win.

Thursday the Purple and Gold rallied from a 5-4 deficit going into the sixth for a 7-5 victory over Spring Creek to advance to Friday’s finals.

Friday Rosewood looked done early, as the Bulldogs jumped all over RHS pitcher Matt Neal in the first inning. Colin Parker laid down a bunt that brought home a run, and Daniel Gerrell tagged a two-run homer to left, as PHS took a 4-0 lead.

Jon Hartley banged a single in the third to bring in another Bulldog run and up the lead to 5-0.

Meanwhile, Parker was keeping the Rosewood hitters frustrated, yielding only one hit through the first three innings. In the fourth, Cody Richards delivered a two run triple as the Eagles pushed four across the plate.

Gerrell added to the Princeton lead with a run-producing single in the bottom of the fourth to make it 6-4.

In the bottom of the sixth, Princeton had a chance to add an insurance run with Andrew Cobb on when Adam Nethercutt singled. Coach Bruce Proctor decided rather than send Cobb on to home, to hold him at third, but the confused Cobb got caught up between the bases and eventually got tagged out.

Monday Coach Proctor was crediting that decision with costing his club the game. “If we score that run in the sixth inning, they don’t tie it up; they’re still down a run. I take the blame for that one wholeheartedly.”

And tie they did, in the top of the seventh. Rosewood’s David Smeltzer swung the big stick, connecting for a two-run homer and tying the game.

Princeton’s Jared McLamb stroked a double in the bottom of the frame, but the Bulldog hitters couldn’t get the winning run home.
Richards opened the Eagle eighth with a single and advanced to second on a bunt. Ryan Daughtry nearly got the ‘Dogs out of the inning unscathed, notching a couple of outs, but Robert Franks got Richards home with a single.

The Bulldogs weren’t dead, and loaded the bases up with the help of two walks served up by Richards, in relief of Neal. Richards snuffed out the last Bulldog hope, as a pop foul near the Princeton dugout was caught by Franks to end the game.

After the game both coaches were excited about the game. Rosewood Coach Josh Smith commented, “It was an outstanding ball game. It was very much a nerve-wracking game. Jumping out on us 5-0 early, I was worried a little bit, but I knew we would fight and scrap. We haven’t been down by five runs this year, and it shows our guys believe in themselves. It shows we can handle things.”

He also noted that it’s the first time since he became head coach that they have beaten Princeton.

Coach Proctor said, “I’ve got goose bumps just talking about it right now. Got to give a lot of credit to Rosewood.”

The Princeton coach tried to dispel any comments about his ranked team not resting on their ranking. “We’ve played some good teams. I don’t think they’ve kinda rested on we’re number one, we’re pretty good. I just think we’ve played some pretty good teams. We’re playing better, and I just hope we peak at the right time.”

And he was looking forward to the rematch with Rosewood Tuesday.
Smeltzer, Franks and Richards each had two hits for the Eagles, with Smeltzer and Richards each getting two RBIs.

Richards got the loss after throwing two shutout innings, striking out two, walking two, and allowing two hits.

Gerrell led the Bulldog hitters with three safeties, and Hartley added two hits.

Daughtry took the loss for the ‘Dogs, despite striking out four in 3 2/3 innings. He gave up four hits and three walks.

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